Garrett Chosen As Next Overton Ag Director

Overton County Extension Agent Jason Garrett has been promoted to serve as the new director of the agriculture office.

Garrett said he now manages the staff, budgets, and day-to-day operations of the office. Garrett said he will continue to serve as the county’s extension agent alongside his new duties.

“I’ve been here eight years,” Garrett said. “I’m an Overton County native. I know (a) vast majority of the people here, farmers, gardeners. So it feels pretty good. Just a new role. I have a lot to learn and I’m looking forward to it.”

Garrett said he was chosen for the role because the last director retired and he was the only one in the office with a master’s degree who wanted the position. Garrett said his immediate priorities as director are preparing for a the computer system coming to all extension offices and learning how to handle his office’s budget.

“So much of the county can (see), you know, the budget we have to present them because they pay a fee a little bit with our office maintaining salaries,” Garrett said. “So there’s a lot to learn just on that.”

Garrett said he is a people person and is excited to interact with the community in this new role. Garrett said he was interviewed by members of the UT Extension’s Central Region office for the job.

“My coworker, who’s an FCS agent, she’s retiring and she was the county director,” Garrett said. “So they wanted to offer it first to someone here.”

Garrett said he began working as the director on December 1.